Discovering and nurturing new talent is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a casting director. Robert Sterne, the casting director behind The Crown, has had the unique pleasure of not only working with established British icons like Imelda Staunton, Olivia Colman, and Helena Bonham Carter but also of launching the careers of rising stars such as Emma Corrin and Josh O’Connor. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch an actor seize a creative opportunity and develop their craft in an environment that elevates them to the next level,” Sterne reflects.
Yet, the process of uncovering hidden gems is far from straightforward. For the final season of The Crown, Sterne and his team meticulously sifted through 15,000 submissions to find the perfect actors to portray Prince William, Prince Harry, and Catherine Middleton. After an exhaustive five-month search, they finally selected newcomers Ed McVey, Luther Ford, and Meg Bellamy for the roles.
“When casting for a character like William, who needs to embody both the charisma of a golden boy and the complexity of someone who has faced significant trauma, you look for an actor who naturally connects with the role,” Sterne explains. Ed McVey, fresh out of drama school, brought an intriguing mix of accessibility and emotional depth that made him stand out. Luther Ford, on the other hand, was encouraged to audition by a friend due to his red hair—a decision that paid off unexpectedly. “Luther had nothing to lose, so he approached the audition without fear and just went for it,” Sterne adds. “It’s about fanning the flames of potential.”
When working with young, untested talent, Sterne doesn’t simply rely on a few strong auditions. He spends considerable time nurturing their confidence and preparing them for the challenges ahead. For the final stages of the casting process, Sterne had a secret weapon: Imelda Staunton. The veteran actress generously volunteered to read with the finalists, giving them a taste of what it would be like to perform alongside one of the industry’s finest. “Seeing how they responded to these scenarios gave us the confidence to say, ‘Go for it,’ and see where their talent could take them,” Sterne says.
In contrast, casting for a show like The Morning Show, which boasts A-list stars like Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, presents a different set of challenges. Victoria Thomas, the casting director for the series, is tasked with finding actors who can match the star power of the show’s headliners. “There’s definitely a certain caliber we’re aiming for,” Thomas notes. “It’s a high-profile show, and we need actors who can draw in viewers and keep them engaged.”
While landing big names like Jon Hamm or Julianna Margulies might seem daunting, Thomas finds that many actors are eager to join the ensemble, even for smaller roles. “Actors appreciate the quality of the performances on the show and are often willing to take on supporting parts,” she says, which simplifies her job as a casting director.
However, Thomas is mindful of the need to balance star power with the overall coherence of the show. For instance, when casting the character of Paul Marks, a tech billionaire with designs on acquiring UBA in the third season, there was only one name on the list: Jon Hamm. “He fit the profile perfectly—handsome, successful, with a presence that would resonate as a romantic interest for Jen,” Thomas explains.
Despite the allure of A-listers, Thomas believes that careful consideration is essential when casting high-profile roles. “You want to attract viewers, but there’s a delicate balance,” she warns. “Overloading the show with stars can detract from the authenticity that strong character actors bring. It’s the interplay between well-known names and skilled supporting actors that grounds the show and makes it compelling to watch.”
Ultimately, both Sterne and Thomas agree that casting is about more than just finding the right faces for the roles. It’s about creating a dynamic ensemble that elevates the story, whether it’s through the discovery of fresh talent or the careful selection of established stars. And in both The Crown and The Morning Show, this thoughtful approach to casting has played a crucial role in the success of each series.
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